The Performance Quality Rating Scale for Somatosensation After Stroke: A Pilot Study

To our knowledge, no measure of observed performance in self-selected activities has been specifically tested for use with stroke survivors with somatosensory deficits. The objective of this study is to modify the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS) for use with stroke survivors with somatosensory deficits and report the interrater reliability. Videos of stroke survivors (N = 22) with somatosensory deficits performing self-selected activities on two separate occasions (76 video clips; 38 activities) were viewed by two clinicians who rated performance using the modified PQRS. Reported properties of the modified PQRS included the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Spearman’s rho and standard error of measurement (SEM). Interrater reliability was good (ICC2,1 = 0.81). Raters’ scores correlated highly (Spearman’s rho = 0.81), and the SEM (1.07) was acceptable. The modified PQRS demonstrated good interrater reliability. Further modifications such as developing common operational definitions that are applicable across a wide range of activities may improve the clinical usability of the scale.